North East London boroughs unite to recruit foster carers

The Local Community Fostering partnership, which involves Havering, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest councils, was set up in May 2024 to increase the number of local foster carers.

Since then, the programme has received more than 1,000 enquiries from people interested in fostering.

Foster carers supporting the Fostering team in Redbridge during the Foster Care Fortnight Walk (Image: Local Community Fostering) This initiative was formed to address the shortage of foster placements in the boroughs, which currently stand at just 520 for the 1,100 children in care.

The partnership hopes to reduce the need to rely on external agencies for foster placements, which incurs additional costs and strains services even further.

Their approach includes a 'single-front-door' system for all enquiries, ensuring prospective carers get consistent, knowledgeable support from the start.

This initiative has been praised for its warmth, clarity, and encouragement.

Foster Care Fortnight brings carers and team together in Tower Hamlets (Image: Local Community Fostering) The four boroughs celebrated the programme's success during Foster Care Fortnight, hosting community walks to appreciate the work of foster carers, and to raise awareness of the need for more.

Councillor Kizzy Gardiner, cabinet member for children and young people at Waltham Forest Council, said: "Foster care is crucial for children who cannot be safely cared for by their families, and as local authorities, we have a duty to ensure they are safe, cared for, and supported.

"We have some amazing and experienced foster carers across the region, who have been providing stability, love, and support to vulnerable children at the time when they need it the most.

"But we are desperately still in need of more foster carers.

"It was a pleasure to see the Local Community Fostering team and partners work collaboratively this year, pooling resources and making the most of the DfE funding and support.

"Our goal for next year is to inspire even more people to become foster carers or switch to fostering for their local council."

Foster carers and team unite in Havering to spotlight local fostering needs (Image: Local Community Fostering)

Cllr Oscar Ford, cabinet member for children and young people at Havering Council, said: "Taking part in the Foster Care Walk was a wonderful way to meet staff, foster carers, and the public, as it provided an opportunity to hear their voices first-hand and to learn about some of the issues involved.

"Fostering really is a rewarding role, and I hope that the hard work and efforts by our team will result in recruiting much-needed foster carers."

Cllr Lloyd Duddridge, cabinet member for children, young people and education at Redbridge Council, said: "It's hard to believe that 12 months have passed since the launch of the Local Community Fostering network.

"In Redbridge, we are fortunate to have some truly exceptional foster carers who, with their open hearts and homes, make a significant difference in the lives of children in need.

"That's why the creation of this collaboration with our neighbouring councils, a crucial and necessary step, has been instrumental in ensuring that boroughs work together more effectively to recruit foster carers across the north east London region."

Cllr Maium Talukdar, deputy mayor and cabinet member for education, youth, and lifelong learning at Tower Hamlets Council, said: "Fostering is one of the most meaningful ways someone can make a difference, and we want to thank all of our current and past foster carers for their dedication this Foster Care Fortnight.

"Over the last year, through working with our partner boroughs in Local Community Fostering, we’ve created a network of care that’s rooted in local relationships, trust, and support.

"With a growing local shortage of foster carers, it’s more important than ever for our community to come together to provide a safe and loving home for vulnerable children."